Duke Takes One On The Road Over Georgia Tech, 55-50
A tight game capped by brilliant fourth-quarter defense
Duke got a solid game from #18 Georgia Tech in Atlanta but pulled out a 55-50 win. It was largely due - again - to Duke’s defense.
Duke held Georgia Tech to 33 percent overall for the game and a spectacular 1-20 from three point range. Duke also forced 14 turnovers.
It still took a lot to pull the win out.
Georgia Tech won the first quarter 18-17 and while Duke pulled ahead in the second, Tech was down just 31-27.
In the third, Georgia Tech tied it up 45-45, which set the stage for an interesting fourth quarter where the Blue Devils just clamped down on the Yellow Jackets, holding Tech to 2-19. They hit one free throw as the Blue Devils held the Yellow Jackets to just five points in the final stanza.
Delaney Thomas, Taina Mair and Oluchi Okanwana each scored 12 to lead Duke. Thomas also led in rebounding with eight.
Toby Fournier also had eight rebounds off the bench.
It was a low-scoring game but Duke’s defense has become its signature. As coaches like to say, correctly, you’re going to have off nights and defense is something you can always rely on.
Duke’s defense has become very powerful and it could take it a long way in March.
Next up is a trip to NC State on Monday which means a trip to Reynolds Coliseum and that’s always special.